said Chester, "we have accomplished our mission successfully.
What are we going to do now?"

"I have been thinking," Hal replied, "of how life on this side of the
war arena would go."

"You mean stay here and not return to France?" asked Chester.

"Exactly. I have read that the Russian Cossacks are terrible fighters. I
would like to see some of them in action."

"And so would I," declared Chester.

"All right," said Hal. "Then, if you are agreeable, when we see the
Grand Duke to-night, I shall ask him if he cannot arrange to assign us
to duties with the Russian army."

In another moment the two lads, tired out, were fast asleep, with
Marquis on guard.

CHAPTER III.

UNDER THE BEAR.

"So, Your Excellency," Hal concluded, "you may see that we have had
considerable active service."

The Russian Grand Duke Nicholas did not reply for some moments. It was
plain that he was greatly impressed, as he had been greatly interested
in the boys' adventures since they had taken service with the Allies
just before the defense of Liege.

"Yes," he said at length, "you certainly have seen considerable service;
and, in bringing me this paper safely"--the Grand Duke tapped his breast
pocket--"you have rendered an invaluable service to our cause. I am
indeed glad to know you. Now, if there is anything I can do to show my
appreciation, you may consider it done."

Remembering their conversation of a few hours before, Hal started to
speak, then hesitated. Realizing that the lad had something he felt a
delicacy of saying, the Grand Duke said:

"Come, out with it. What can I do for you?"

"Well, Your Excellency," said Hal, "my friend and I would like to see
service with the Russian army."

"What!" exclaimed the Grand Duke.

"Yes," Chester broke into the conversation. "We have talked it over, and
we have decided that we would like to see service in the Eastern theater
of war."

"Hm-m-m," said the Duke, stroking his mustache, "and have you picked out
the branch of the service to which you would like to be attached?"

"Yes, sir," said Hal; "we have."

"And that is?" questioned the Grand Duke.

"The cavalry, Your Excellency--the Cossacks."

The Grand Duke jumped to his feet in surprise.

"Well, well!" he exclaimed. "You have certainly picked out the most
difficult thing you could have asked me. Still, I have no doubt it can
be arranged."

"If it will inconvenience you, your Excellency----" Chester began.

"Tu